Name: Waterloo C
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What is Waterloo C?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C is a C compiler and runtime library designed for IBM mainframe environments. It allows developers to write and execute C code on z/OS and z/VM systems. The compiler translates C source code into machine code, while the runtime libraries provide essential functions for program execution.

Question 2

What C language features does Waterloo C support?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C supports the standard C language, including data types, control structures, and functions. It also provides extensions for interacting with the z/OS and z/VM operating systems. Developers can use standard C libraries and system-specific functions to build applications.

Question 3

When was Waterloo C first released and what is its history?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C was initially released in 1984. The source code was later released as open source under the Open Watcom project in 2003. However, the product is no longer actively supported by the original vendor.

Question 4

What are the typical use cases for Waterloo C?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C is primarily used for developing system-level software, utilities, and applications that run on IBM mainframe systems. It is suitable for tasks requiring direct interaction with the operating system and efficient resource utilization.

Question 5

What are the most common commands and their syntax?

Accepted Answer

Common commands include `cc` for compiling, `link` for linking object files, and `run` for executing the compiled program. The syntax for compiling a source file named `hello.c` is `cc hello.c`. The linker combines object files into an executable. The `run` command executes the compiled program.

Question 6

What configuration files or interfaces are used?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C uses configuration files to specify compiler options, include paths, and library locations. These files are typically text-based and can be customized to suit project requirements. The compiler reads these files during the compilation process.

Question 7

What types of APIs does Waterloo C expose?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C does not expose APIs in the modern sense (REST, SOAP). It is a compiler and runtime environment. Integration with other systems is typically achieved through system calls and interaction with the underlying operating system (z/OS or z/VM).

Question 8

What are the main system components?

Accepted Answer

The main components include the compiler, linker, and runtime libraries. The compiler translates C source code into object code. The linker combines object files and libraries into an executable. The runtime libraries provide functions for program execution.

Question 9

What was the business value of Waterloo C?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C enabled developers to write and run C code on IBM mainframes, providing a powerful tool for system programming and application development. It allowed efficient use of mainframe resources and direct interaction with the operating system.

Question 10

How did Waterloo C contribute to software development on mainframes?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C provided a means to develop and maintain system-level software and utilities on IBM mainframe systems. It supported the creation of applications that could leverage the performance and reliability of the mainframe environment.

Question 11

How did Waterloo C help in modernizing legacy systems?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C offered a way to modernize legacy systems by allowing developers to rewrite or extend existing applications in C. This facilitated the integration of new functionalities and improved maintainability.

Question 12

What were the cost benefits of using Waterloo C?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C provided a cost-effective solution for C development on mainframes, especially when compared to proprietary compilers. It offered a robust environment for building and deploying applications on IBM zSeries and z/VM systems.

Question 13

What security features does Waterloo C provide?

Accepted Answer

Waterloo C does not have built-in security features like modern compilers. Security relies on the underlying z/OS or z/VM operating system's security mechanisms. Developers must implement security measures within their applications.

Question 14

What authentication methods are supported?

Accepted Answer

Authentication is handled by the z/OS or z/VM operating system. Waterloo C applications inherit the security context of the user running the program. Developers must ensure proper authentication through the operating system.

Question 15

What access control model is used?

Accepted Answer

Access control is managed by the z/OS or z/VM operating system. Waterloo C applications operate within the security context of the user. Developers must use operating system APIs to implement access control within their applications.

Question 16

What encryption is used and where?

Accepted Answer

Encryption is not directly provided by Waterloo C. Applications can use the encryption services provided by the z/OS or z/VM operating system. Developers must integrate these services into their code.

Question 17

What administrative interfaces are available?

Accepted Answer

Administration is performed through the z/OS or z/VM operating system interfaces. This includes using system commands and utilities to manage users, configure system parameters, and monitor system resources. There is no dedicated administrative interface within Waterloo C.

Question 18

How is user management handled?

Accepted Answer

User management is handled by the z/OS or z/VM operating system. Administrators use system commands to create, modify, and delete user accounts. Waterloo C applications inherit the user context from the operating system.

Question 19

What are the main configuration parameters?

Accepted Answer

Configuration parameters are set through configuration files and compiler options. These parameters control compiler behavior, include paths, and library locations. The `cc` command and related utilities are used to specify these settings.

Question 20

What monitoring and logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring and logging are performed using the z/OS or z/VM system tools. Waterloo C applications can generate log messages using standard C library functions. System administrators can use these logs for troubleshooting and performance analysis.

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Waterloo C

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waterloo C?

What C language features does Waterloo C support?

When was Waterloo C first released and what is its history?

What are the typical use cases for Waterloo C?

What are the most common commands and their syntax?

What configuration files or interfaces are used?

What types of APIs does Waterloo C expose?

What are the main system components?

What was the business value of Waterloo C?

How did Waterloo C contribute to software development on mainframes?

How did Waterloo C help in modernizing legacy systems?

What were the cost benefits of using Waterloo C?

What security features does Waterloo C provide?

What authentication methods are supported?

What access control model is used?

What encryption is used and where?

What administrative interfaces are available?

How is user management handled?

What are the main configuration parameters?

What monitoring and logging capabilities exist?

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